Netherlands – Czech Republic 2-3 (10)
CZE 000 000 010 2 3 7 1 NED 000 000 001 1 2 8 3
The Czech Republic stunned host Netherlands at the 2012 European Championship on Sunday afternoon. Playing at Familie Stadium in Rotterdam, the Czech team decided an extra-inning showdown with two runs on a sac fly by Jakub Malik and a RBI single by Jan Drabek in the tenth. The Dutch team only was able to counter with a RBI fielder’s choice by Curt Smith in the bottom of the frame, losing for the first time in three games. An error with two outs in the bottom of the ninth had helped the Netherlands to get into extra innings. A RBI single by Malik had given the Czech squad a 1-0 lead in the eighth. Otherwise pitcher’s Michal Sobotka (8 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB) and Juan Carlos Sulbaran (7 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 7 SO) dominated the game. In the end Marek Minarik got the win, while David Bergman was charged with the loss.
Second thoughts. retain domestic leagues but have an international European league. Start in May finish in September. 3 games (Friday,Saturday and Sunday or one double header and a single game)at home and next weekend 3 games away. 6 countries in Division one and 6 countries in Division 2. (These divisions expanded when the time comes). Each Nation to use different sites/cities for each series so that all areas get to see top class European baseball. European Series at the end of the league (autumn). Top two play off, 3 games in first place country and 2 games in the second placed country at the end of the season. Promotion series in division 2. Bottom team relegated.